Firework Safety Information for City Residents
News Source: City of Apache Junction
As New Year’s Eve approaches, many residents look forward to celebrating with family, friends, and festive traditions. Before the celebrations begin, the City of Apache Junction would like to share important information to help everyone celebrate responsibly.
Fireworks can be enjoyable, but they also come with safety, health, and community impacts. This information is provided to help residents understand fireworks regulations, reduce the risk of injury and fire, understand the impact on air quality, and be mindful of veterans, animals, and neighbors.
We appreciate your help in keeping Apache Junction safe as we ring in the new year and wish everyone a happy and healthy end to 2025.
Fireworks Regulations
Arizona State Law includes several regulations regarding the sale and use of consumer fireworks:
- Consumer fireworks are allowed December 26 through January 4
- Fireworks are not allowed between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., except on December 31, when fireworks are permitted from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Permissible consumer fireworks include items such as fountains, ground spinners, sparklers, and toy smoke devices
- Fireworks are prohibited at all times within a one-mile radius of:
- Municipal or county mountain preserves
- Desert parks or regional parks
- Designated conservation areas
- National forests or wilderness areas
Residents are encouraged to review all state and local regulations before using fireworks.
Fire Safety
Fireworks can be enjoyable, but safety must always come first. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024.
If a fire or injury occurs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
To help prevent accidents, please follow these safety tips:
- Only use legal fireworks and follow all local laws
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby
- Never relight a firework that does not go off
- Keep fireworks away from dry grass, buildings, and vehicles
- Always supervise children and never allow them to handle fireworks
- Light fireworks one at a time and step back quickly
- Wear eye protection and avoid loose clothing
- Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them
Air Quality and Pollution
Fireworks can significantly impact air quality, especially during winter months.
On January 1, 2025, the West Phoenix air quality monitor recorded the worst daily PM-2.5 concentration in the nation at 258.1 µg/m³, nearly 30 times higher than the EPA’s annual standard.
Chemical analysis by Maricopa County shows that consumer fireworks are the largest contributor to PM-2.5 exceedances on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Professional fireworks have less impact due to their height and dispersion.
During winter, temperature inversions can trap pollution from fireworks and wood burning near the ground, leading to poor air quality and potential health risks, especially for children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
A Message for Veterans
We recognize that fireworks can be stressful or triggering for some veterans, especially in a community with a strong veteran population.
If loud noises or sudden sounds are difficult for you, consider the following steps:
- Plan ahead and choose a quiet, comfortable space
- Use noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, or calming music
- Let family, friends, or neighbors know how fireworks affect you
- Spend the evening indoors or away from known fireworks areas
- Practice grounding techniques such as slow breathing or light stretching
If you need support, please reach out to someone you trust or a local veterans resource, including local VFW chapters. You are not alone, and your well-being matters.
Animal Safety
Fireworks can be loud and frightening for pets and wildlife. As you celebrate, please help keep animals safe by following these tips:
- Keep pets indoors during fireworks
- Create a quiet, comfortable space with familiar blankets or toys
- Close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashing lights
- Use calming music or white noise
- Ensure pets have ID tags or microchips in case they get loose
- Never bring pets to fireworks displays
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and responsible end to the year. Thank you for doing your part to protect your neighbors, our veterans, our animals, and our environment.
We look forward to what 2026 has in store for our community.
Happy New Year from the City of Apache Junction!Â
